The technology revolution that is underway comes with all manner of ominous predictions but the likely trajectory is already in play. When technology is touted to make human beings obsolete, I am minded that the most successful implementation of technology has not been when it has replaced people but when it has enhanced their abilities.

Without doubt we need technology to help. The surveying industry is facing growing pressure. Although infrastructure projects remain a relative bright spot, 61% of firms cited planning and regulatory delays as their biggest obstacle, and 39% pointed to labour shortages, with surveyors among the hardest roles to recruit.

These delays are already affecting housebuilding. In the first quarter of 2025, only 1,210 new homes were started in London, the lowest number in 16 years. This is well below the city’s goal of building 88,000 homes annually.

To address this issue and ensure reliable property risk management, a synergy of skilled surveyors and innovative digital solutions is essential. Surveyors are the backbone of property risk management, providing critical insights into structural integrity, legal compliance, and market value. Their expertise ensures that properties are safe investments, safeguarding stakeholders from unforeseen liabilities.

However, the growing volume of property transactions and the complexity of modern buildings demand more than human expertise alone. Digital solutions are stepping in to bridge the gap, offering tools that enhance surveyors’ capabilities and streamline processes.

Data and technology are transforming how property risks are assessed. But the integration of these technologies doesn’t replace surveyors – it empowers them. By automating repetitive tasks like data collection and preliminary analysis, digital tools free surveyors to focus on tasks requiring human judgment, such as interpreting complex findings or advising on risk mitigation. This collaboration is vital to meeting the growing demand, where the surveying sector is facing issues in recruitment and operating cost.

Digital solutions enable surveyors to handle larger workloads efficiently, ensuring timely and accurate assessments without compromising quality. Moreover, digital platforms enhance transparency and accessibility in property risk management.

Cloud-based systems allow stakeholders, lenders, insurers, and buyers to access real-time data, fostering informed decision-making. For example, automated valuation models (AVMs) can provide instant property value estimates, complementing surveyors’ detailed reports.

This dual approach balances speed with precision, addressing the urgency of market demands while maintaining consistency. The future of property risk management lies in this partnership between human expertise and technological innovation. Surveyors bring irreplaceable knowledge and critical thinking, while digital solutions provide scalability and efficiency.

Together, these two things can tackle the housing supply crisis, reduce risks, and ensure the property market remains resilient. By investing in both skilled professionals and cutting-edge technology, the industry can meet growing demand and secure a sustainable future. James Ginley is director of technical surveying at e.surv